Firefighters responded to 101 grass fires in Pope County during June and July, a significant increase compared to previous years, Pope County Judge Jim Ed Gibson told The Courier on Wednesday.

“We have been fortunate that the grass fires have been extinguished quickly and have not resulted in loss of lives or dwellings,” Gibson said. “Everyone needs to pay their fire dues and support their local volunteer fire departments. These fires are costing additional money in fuel and time, and we really need to show our support and gratitude to these organizations.”

There have been 23 citations issued to county residents for violating the burn ban resulting in fines. The first offense is a $50 fine and increases to $200 for a second offense. Court costs and fees are added to the fines. Pope County road crews ceased all mowing 5-6 weeks ago due to the extremely dry conditions, Gibson said.

“It’s just too dangerous,” Gibson said of why the county was not mowing. “It’s a very dangerous situation we’re in and we’ve really appreciated the cooperation from the citizens. We all have to do our part to keep fires from starting. Grass fires spread quickly and put the lives of so many — the residents, emergency workers and livestock — in danger.”

The wildfire that began at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday on Ola Mountain was initially reported to have been started by contractors with the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) bush-hogging on a state owned right-of-way.

Scott Mullis, an engineer for AHTD District 8, said there was a contractor mowing in the area, but the actual cause of the fire was still unknown.

“I can only go by what the only eyewitness said,” Mullis told The Courier on Thursday afternoon. “A tractor driver said he noticed smoke 400 yards from him and they tried to stop the fire. There was a contract crew in the area, but I can’t say what actually started the fire.”

Mullis said the AHTD’s policy for mowing during a burn ban is to only mow in areas where safety due to visual obstructions is an issue. Mullis said contractors are paid to mow thousands of acres throughout the entire state. Contract mowers are paid based on how much acreage is mowed.

Gibson said his office has received several calls from individuals wanting special permits to burn during the burn ban. Each time the answer has been “no.” Gibson said even with the scattered rain showers the county received Thursday, there is no end in sight to the burn ban.

“We need a substantial amount of rain for an extended period of time to recall the burn ban,” Gibson said. “The fire in Ola just goes to show us how dangerous one spark really can be. We’ve been advising residents for two months not to mow because of the potential fire danger. I think this might be a wake-up call to the entire state. Emergency response teams did a great job handling the fire in Ola, but one thing is for sure, we don’t want that to happen again.”